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Political Theory - An Introduction Chapter Notes - Political Science Class 11 - Humanities - Arts PDF Download

This document provides an overview of political theory, including what it is, why it is studied, and how it relates to concepts like democracy, freedom, and equality. It discusses how political theory has influenced documents like the Indian constitution and how studying political theory can help interpret and debate political issues.

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Trisha Ghosh
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91 views

Political Theory - An Introduction Chapter Notes - Political Science Class 11 - Humanities - Arts PDF Download

This document provides an overview of political theory, including what it is, why it is studied, and how it relates to concepts like democracy, freedom, and equality. It discusses how political theory has influenced documents like the Indian constitution and how studying political theory can help interpret and debate political issues.

Uploaded by

Trisha Ghosh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Chapter Notes: Political Theory : An Introduction

Introduction
Political theory analyses the basic questions like; How a country must be organised, why do we
need a government or what do we owe to each other as citizens.

What is Political Theory?


Political theory is concerned with the ideas and principles that systematically shape the
constitution, governments, and social life. Certain values and principles, such as democracy,
freedom, and equality, have inspired people and guided policies.
The origins of these values and words need to be understood rationally and political theory
helps us in that respect. Political theory explains what freedom, equality, justice, democracy,
secularism, and other concepts mean.

Try yourself: Which of the following is not a major tradition of Political Theory?

a. Liberalism

b. Marxism

c. Feminism

d. Existentialism

View Solution
Why do we study Political Theory?
Different countries, such as America and India have tried to protect their fundamental
values by enshrining them in their constitutions. The values such as equality, freedom,
dignity, justice, peace etc have been influenced by the ideas of philosophers such as Kautilya,
Aristotle, Jean Jacques Rousseau, John Locke, Karl Marx among other prominent ones.
Although Rousseau, Marx, and Gandhi were not politicians, their ideas influenced
generations of politicians around the world. It thus becomes necessary that we have a sound
understanding of these political terms.
Political theorists study the foundations of modern polity and also consider our current
political experiences to identify trends and future possibilities.

Who influenced the values of the Indian constitution?


The constitution of India is based on ideas and principles that have been debated since the
time of Kautilya. Political thinkers and activists such as MK Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar have
shaped the pillars of the Indian constitution.

Relevance of Political Theories in India


India is free and independent, but questions regarding freedom and equality have not ceased to
crop up. We can broadly find the relevance of modern political thought in India as it concerns
with the following:
Firstly, the issue concerning freedom, equality and democracy arise in many areas of social
life and they are being implemented in different sectors at different phases.
E.g: Equality may exist in the political sphere in the form of equal rights but it may not exist
to the same extent in the social and economic spheres.
Secondly, though freedom is guaranteed in our Constitution, we encounter new
interpretations all the time.
E.g: The right to life has been interpreted by the courts to include the right to livelihood.
The Right to information has been granted to a new law. The fundamental rights guaranteed
by our Constitution have been amended and expanded over time through judicial
interpretations and government policies which are designed to address new problems.
Thirdly, as our world changes, we may discover new dimensions of freedom as well as new
threats to freedom.
E.g: global communications technology is making it easier for activists to network with one
another across the world for protecting tribal cultures or forests. But it also enables
terrorists and criminals to network.

As a result, questions are raised regarding how much freedom should be given to people using the
net.

Try yourself: Which of the following is not a concept of Political Theory?

a. Power

b. Authority

c. Representation

d. Competition

View Solution

Putting Political Theory To Practice


The only aspect focused on the political theory is that which deals with the origins meanings
and significance of the political ideas that we are familiar with such as freedom, equality,
citizenship, justice, development, nationalism, secularism. Various political theorists have
provided diverse definitions of freedom or equality and you may find the distinct definition
of equality or freedom or justice.
Political theorists clarify the meaning of political concepts by looking at how they are
understood and used in ordinary language. They also debate and examine the diverse
meanings and opinions in a systematic manner.
This is because terms like equality concern our relationships with other human beings rather
than with things. Human beings, unlike things, have opinions on issues like equality.
Example: People often jump the queue in shops or doctor’s waiting rooms or government
offices. Some people cannot have the access to these shops and other goods and services
because of monetary constraints.
Thus, our idea of equality is quite complex, also the reason behind the many definitions is
because the meaning of equality is dependent on the context.

As in the case of equality and other subjects such as Freedom, Citizenship, Rights, Justice,
Development, Equality, Nationalism and Secularism; the political theorists engage with
everyday opinions, debate possible meanings and thrash out policy options.

Why should we study Political Theory?


Firstly, political theory is relevant to all of the aforementioned target groups. Even as high
school students, we may choose one of the aforementioned professions in the future, making
it relevant to us indirectly at present.
Secondly, as citizens entitled to vote and make decisions on other issues, it is helpful to
possess a basic knowledge of the political concepts and institutions that shape the world in
which we live in order to act responsibly.
Thirdly, freedom, equality, and secularism are not abstract issues in our lives. Discrimination
of various sorts is encountered by people every day in families, schools, colleges, shopping
malls, and other places. Political theory encourages us to examine our ideas and emotions
about political matters.
Finally, as students, we enjoy participating in debates and elocution competitions. We have
opinions about what is right or wrong, just or unjust, but we are unsure if they are
reasonable. Political theory exposes us to systematic thinking on justice or equality so that
we can refine our opinions and argue in an informed manner, for the sake of the common
good.

Try yourself: Which of the following is not a major type of government discussed in
Political Theory?

a. Democracy

b. Monarchy

c. Oligarchy

d. Corporation

View Solution

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